- Scripture:
“Now be on your way. Gather the leaders of Israel. Tell them, ‘God, the God of your fathers, the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, appeared to me, saying, “I’ve looked into what’s being done to you in Egypt, and I’ve determined to get you out of the affliction of Egypt and take you to the land of the Canaanite, the Hittite, the Amorite, the Perizzite, the Hivite, and the Jebusite, a land brimming over with milk and honey.” ’ “Believe me, they will listen to you. Then you and the leaders of Israel will go to the king of Egypt and say to him: ‘God, the God of the Hebrews, has met with us. Let us take a three-day journey into the wilderness where we will worship God—our God.’ “I know that the king of Egypt won’t let you go unless forced to, so I’ll intervene and hit Egypt where it hurts—oh, my miracles will send them reeling!—after which they’ll be glad to send you off. I’ll see to it that this people get a hearty send-off by the Egyptians—when you leave, you won’t leave empty-handed! Each woman will ask her neighbor and any guests in her house for objects of silver and gold, for jewelry and extra clothes; you’ll put them on your sons and daughters. Oh, you’ll clean the Egyptians out!”
Exodus 3:16–22 MSG
- Reflection:
Transfer Is On The Way
Egypt had more wealth and affluence than any other country. As the Israelites were leaving Egypt, they didn’t leave empty-handed. A transfer took place. The Egyptians had oppressed them for years and forced them to work without pay and in unfair conditions. While their oppressors lived in nice homes with whatever they needed, the Israelites had suffered lack, not having enough. But the time came when God said, “I’m going to take from those who are not using their resources for the right purposes and transfer them into the hands of My people.” The Israelites went into the desert loaded with wealth from their oppressors. Those actions in the Bible mean that we can't just wait for something to be transferred over to us. There had to have been a stage of work that brought this transfer into reality. The slaves worked their butts off, so when the transfer of riches happened, sure, they were surprised but also ready to receive some payment for the services they had performed for so many years.
Where do we go from here?
Even though they had worked and prepared for the transfer of some of the wealth of Egypt, I am not sure they knew how to handle what they had received. The story says that they were only a few miles away from the promised land but were made to wander around in the desert for 40 years because of perversions, idol worship, and lawless bunches of people. God knows how to transfer resources, influence, and abundance. We have to ready ourselves for all that he is doing behind the scenes of our lives. You may be in a situation that looks as though you’re stuck, you’re at a disadvantage, you’re not being treated right. My encouragement is to stay in peace and keep doing the right thing. You will get there in God's time.
Our Prayer for Today
Father, thank you for being a God of justice and for keeping records of all your people. Thank you for the time when you say "enough is enough" and it's payday. I believe that things are about to shift in our favor and that a transfer is on the way. In Jesus' name, amen.